SDLP MPs have voted against proposed cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in the House of Commons this afternoon.

Speaking from Westminster, Claire Hanna MP said:

“The cut to Winter Fuel Payments runs the very real risk of pushing pensioners into fuel poverty over the coming months. The targeting is too narrow and the notice too short, and it has created real anxiety for many of the people we represent.

“We accept, of course, the challenging financial conditions and mess left by the Conservatives, but balancing the books should not come at the cost of the wellbeing or health of vulnerable older people, many on very modest incomes. The UK profits of energy company dwarf the apparent £22bn hole in the public finances and the SDLP has consistently called for both windfall taxes and the delivery social tariffs for lower income fuel customers.

“The SDLP has been consistent in our opposition to this cut at Westminster and at the Northern Ireland Assembly, where the four party NI Executive has given up the principle power of devolution, without properly exploring local mitigation. The Communities Minister should reconsider and other parties in the Executive should be clear if they back his position.

“The SDLP will always vote in the interests of our region and the people we represent, regardless of the party in government in the UK.”